Ligustrum quihoui

RHS Plant Profile
waxyleaf privet
waxyleaf privet RHS
Shrubs

An elegant large deciduous shrub of open habit, with glossy, oval mid-greenleaves to 4cm long, and scented white flowers in panicles to 40cm long in late summer and early autumn, followed by small, glossy purple-black berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Ligustrum can be decidous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, entire leaves and panicles of small, often unpleasantly scented white flowers in spring or summer, followed by black or deep purple berries
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
China, Korea

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or part shade; ideal for hedging

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, leaf miners and privet thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus or leaf spots (see leaf damage on woody plants) or verticillium wilt